Blustery winds continue across New England today, but not as fierce as yesterday’s 50+ mph gusts. Danielle Noyes explains how the active breeze and colder-than-normal air will stick with us into next week. Plus, find out where some snow showers might pop up and why it’s time to keep the tissues handy for the kids! She also gives a heartfelt thank you to 1°Outside Patreon Members. Watch and read on for the National & Northeast weather summaries.
National Weather Summary
Cold and Active Weather Continues Across the Nation:
A persistent upper-level trough will continue to dominate much of the central and eastern United States, ushering in colder-than-average temperatures and active weather for many regions.
Great Lakes and Northeastern U.S.:
A prolonged lake-effect snow event will bring significant snowfall to areas downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario, with the heaviest bands delivering 2-4 feet of snow in localized areas through Saturday. Blowing snow and gusty northwest winds will contribute to hazardous travel conditions. The central Appalachians are also experiencing wintry weather, with snow accumulations of 6-12 inches expected in some areas. Arctic air will keep daytime highs in the teens and 20s across the northern tier, with subzero wind chills in the northern Plains and Midwest.
Western U.S.:
Another Pacific system is pushing into the Northwest, bringing heavy rain along the coastal ranges of northern California and southwestern Oregon. The Sierra Nevada and Cascades are expected to receive over a foot of snow at higher elevations. Flooding concerns are minimal, but isolated instances are possible due to saturated grounds in some regions. Snow will also spread into the Rockies by Saturday, with accumulations exceeding a foot in favored locations.
Central and Southern Plains:
High pressure is settling into the central U.S., bringing frigid air and dry conditions. Morning lows could dip to 0°F or lower in parts of the Dakotas and Minnesota, with wind chills as low as -30°F. Areas farther south will experience highs in the 30s and 40s under clear skies.
Southeast and Florida:
A cooler airmass will filter into the region, with highs in the 40s and 50s across the Carolinas and 60s in northern Florida. Freeze warnings are in effect for parts of northern Florida, where lows may drop into the 30s, posing a risk to sensitive vegetation.
Northeast Weather Story
Bitter Cold and Persistent Lake-Effect Snow:
Residents across New York and New England will face wintry challenges as a strong northwest flow delivers bitterly cold air and lake-effect snow.
Lake-Effect Snow Bands:
The most intense snowfall will occur downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario, especially in the Tug Hill Plateau and parts of western New York. These areas could see snowfall rates exceeding 2 inches per hour, creating dangerous whiteout conditions. Accumulations of 2-4 feet are possible in the most persistent bands. Strong winds will lead to blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibility and creating additional hazards.
Broad Impact:
Even outside of the lake-effect zones, upslope snow showers will continue across the Adirondacks, Green Mountains, and Berkshires, adding to light accumulations. The higher terrain of Vermont and New Hampshire could see totals of 3-6 inches by Saturday morning.
Wind and Cold:
Strong northwest winds will create subzero wind chills across much of the interior Northeast. Gusts of 30-40 mph are likely, especially in exposed and elevated areas, adding to the harsh winter conditions.
Coastal Areas:
While the coastline will remain mostly dry with brisk winds, high temperatures will struggle to rise above the upper 20s to low 30s. Areas farther inland, including the Connecticut River Valley and the southern tier of New York, will remain in the teens to low 20s.
Weekend Outlook:
The snow will taper off gradually on Saturday, but the bitter cold will persist, with lows dropping into the single digits and teens. Prepare for continued winter travel challenges in snow-prone areas, and ensure precautions are in place to protect against the extreme cold.